The Victorian Wrestling Association extended their grief and sadness on the sudden passing of Sam Parker. He has been an integral part of Victorian and Australian Wrestling over the last 70 years. The Association recognised his contributions and honoured him for his achievements.
The Victorian Wrestling Association is dedicated to promoting Armwrestling to build a strong community of competitive athletes.
As per the Victorian Armwrestling Association, Sam’s contributions and efforts have shaped the sport in this country, and countless athletes have Sam to thank for introducing them to this beloved sport.
The Association further also made certain remarks on Sam. They said, “As a wrestler, Sam competed at the highest level, being the first emergency at the Melbourne 1956 Olympics and as a competitor at the Rome 1964 Olympics.”
As a coach, Sam’s accolades are second to none. He has seen multiple wrestlers represent his club internationally, including at the Commonwealth and Olympic games.
Sams’s family have requested a private funeral service be held, and we wish to respect their request.
Sam will be dearly missed within our community, and our deepest condolences go out to all his close friends and family at this difficult time.
Please see below Sam’s list of achievements.
ORDER OF AUSTRALIA
2023 – Sam Parker OAM “for outstanding service to wrestling”
LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP FROM WRESTLING VICTORIA
2023 – In recognition of years of dedication and service to the sport of
wrestling
GOLD LIFE MEMBER OF WRESTLING AUSTRALIA
2020 – Sam Parker: “recognised as making a direct and significant
contribution to the success of wrestling as a coach, volunteer, and
committee member.” (Wrestling Australia)
SAM PARKER’S PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT:
OLYMPIC GAMES
1956 – Emergency (Australia)
1960 – Competitor, part of a team (Italy)
1968 – Independent Coach, self-funded
(Mexico)
1976 – Manager Coach, part of team
(Canada)
1980 – Manager Coach, part of a team (USSR)
1984 – Manager Coach, part of a team (USA)
1988 – Independent Coach, self-funded
(South Korea)
1992 – Manager Coach, part of a team (Spain)
1996 – Manager Coach, part of a team (USA)
2000 – Coach, part of team (Australia)
2004 – Manager Coach, part of team
(Greece)
COMMONWEALTH GAMES
1970 Independent Coach
(self-funded), Edinburgh
(Scotland)
1978 Coach,
Commonwealth Games,
Edmonton (Canada)
1982 Coach,
Commonwealth Games,
Brisbane (Australia)
1994 Coach,
Commonwealth Games,
Victoria (Canada)
2002 Coach,
Commonwealth Games,
Manchester (Scotland)
